Biography
Fiachra Ó Suilleabháin is a professionally qualified, CORU registered Social Worker since 2002. He teaches across a number of modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level within the School. He lectures on gender and sexualities, LGBT+ matters, social services and welfare practice, child sexual abuse, child protection and welfare, and professional practice. He supervises research carried out by students at post-graduate level.
Fiachra works as part of the multi-disciplinary Master of Social Work Team delivering a professionally-accredited, two-year taught postgraduate (MSW/PGDSWS) programme to students who wish to become social workers. On that specific programme, he teaches and mentors students’ practice skills and lectures on research methods, investigative interviewing, child protection and welfare and professional practice. Fiachra is the MSW Selection Co-ordinator along with Dr. Kenneth Burns, MSW Deputy Director.
Fiachra’s doctoral degree, awarded in 2011, examined for the first time the parenting experiences of gay men in Ireland. In addition to publications, he has delivered papers and seminars at conferences both nationally and internationally regarding child sexual abuse, LGBT+ issues and social work practice. He is actively involved in research about the experiences of trans youth in Ireland; social work practice in the area of alleged sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviour; activism in social work; and social work education.
Fiachra has extensive practice experience. He was the manager of a regional multi-disciplinary child sexual abuse assessment unit within the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) from 2009 to 2017. Prior to that he worked in the same agency as a Principal Social Worker and as Basic Grade Social Worker. He also has professional knowledge of child protection and fostering social work practice. Fiachra has provided a range of continuous professional development training to social workers, social care leaders, medical doctors, nurses, teachers and foster-carers about child sexual abuse, direct work with children and managing children with sexualised behaviour problems, and talking with children and young people about sensitive matters. He was a member of the TUSLA Cork Foster Care Committee in Cork from September 2010 to December 2016.
Fiachra is a member of a number of practice advisory boards and action learning groups for social work organisations, provides social work consultancy to practitioners and serves on Boards of Directors of a number of community-based organisations.
Research Interests
My overall research interests have centred on sexual behaviours, GLBTQI issues and investigative interviewing practices in the context of child protection and welfare.Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PositivMasc (Co-Investigator) | Horizon 2020 | 01-MAR-19 | 28-FEB-22 | €283,994.00 | |
| RIFNET | Irish Research Council | 01-MAR-21 | €11,800.00 |
Publications
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2021) | 'Sexual and Gender Minority Populations and Suicidal Behaviours' Helen Keeley, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Máire Leane (2021) 'Sexual and Gender Minority Populations and Suicidal Behaviours' In: Danuta Wasserman (eds). Oxford Textbook of Suicidology and Suicide Prevention. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Vigilant dads: exploring gay men’s parenting experiences in contemporary Ireland' Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2014) 'Vigilant dads: exploring gay men’s parenting experiences in contemporary Ireland' In: Maire Leane and Elizabeth Kiely (eds). Sexualities and Irish Society. Dublin: Orpen Press. [Details] | |
| (2008) | 'Interviewing children and young people as a part of the child protection process' Terry Bradshaw and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2008) 'Interviewing children and young people as a part of the child protection process' In: Kenneth Burns and Deborah Lynch (eds). Child Protection and Welfare Social Work: Contemporary Themes and Practice Perspectives. Dublin: A & A Farmer. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | 'Reporting Standards for Qualitative Primary, Qualitative Meta-Analytic and Mixed Methods Research: Applying the Standards to Social Work Research' Eleanor Bantry-White, Mary Hurley and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) 'Reporting Standards for Qualitative Primary, Qualitative Meta-Analytic and Mixed Methods Research: Applying the Standards to Social Work Research'. Journal of evidence-based social work, 16 (5):469-477 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Expanding “Irish Family” Repertoires: Exploring Gay Men's Experiences as Parents in the Republic of Ireland' Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2017) 'Expanding “Irish Family” Repertoires: Exploring Gay Men's Experiences as Parents in the Republic of Ireland'. The Journal of GLBT Family Studies, [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Victimisation and psychosocial difficulties associated with sexual orientation concerns: A school-based study of Irish adolescents' Cotter, P., Corcoran, P, McCarthy, J., Ó Súilleabháin, F., Carli, V., Hoven, C., Wasserman, C., Sarchiapone, M. Wasserman, D. and Keely, H. (2014) 'Victimisation and psychosocial difficulties associated with sexual orientation concerns: A school-based study of Irish adolescents'. Irish Medical Journal, 107 (10):310-314 [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2021) | UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Kenneth Burns (2021) A New Year of Online Innovative Social Work Practice: Where to Next? UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar University College Cork, , 14-JAN-21 - 14-JAN-21 [Details] | |
| (2021) | UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar Kenneth Burns and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2021) Social Media Abuse of Professionals: How to Protect Yourself on Social Media UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar [Details] | |
| (2020) | Law/Gender/Body/Text Online Discussion Series Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Máire Leane (2020) Gendered Bodies: Trans and Gender-Expansive Youth in Ireland Law/Gender/Body/Text Online Discussion Series University College Cork, , 20-NOV-20 - 20-NOV-20 [Details] | |
| (2020) | Sexuality and Social Work Conference Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Máire Leane (2020) Putting Sexualities and Genders on the Curriculum Sexuality and Social Work Conference Mumbai, India, , 26-NOV-20 - 27-NOV-20 [Details] | |
| (2020) | UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Kenneth Burns (2020) COVID-19 Is Not Going Away: What Next for Remote Social Work Practice? UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar University College Cork, , 10-SEP-20 - 10-SEP-20 [Details] | |
| (2020) | UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar Kenneth Burns and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2020) Self-care and Remote Working for Professionals UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar University College Cork, , 10-SEP-20 - 10-SEP-20 [Details] | |
| (2020) | Cork PRIDE Equality and Inclusion Conference Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2020) Equality and Inclusion in Cork: Showcasing the Work of UCC’s LGBT+ Staff Network and Rainbow Alliance Cork PRIDE Equality and Inclusion Conference Cork, , 23-OCT-20 - 23-OCT-20 [Details] | |
| (2020) | UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar - Showcasing Practice Initiatives Kenneth Burns and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2020) Doing Social Work Online: responding to the Needs of Individuals, Families and Communities UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar - Showcasing Practice Initiatives Webinar, [Details] | |
| (2020) | UCC Global Ethics Day Webinar Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Catherine Forde, Mary Hurley and Angela Flynn (2020) Sustainability, Environmental and Social Justice Issues for Professional Practice UCC Global Ethics Day Webinar University College Cork, , 21-OCT-20 - 21-OCT-20 [Details] | |
| (2020) | UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Kenneth Burns (2020) Using Padlet as a Tool for Online Social Work Practice UCC Online Social Work Practice Webinar , 03-JUN-20 [Details] | |
| (2020) | ICERI2020 Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Kenneth Burns and Simone McCaughren (2020) Online Social Work Tools: Collaborative Educational Responses To Remote-Based Social Work Practice ICERI2020 Seville, Spain, , 09-NOV-20 - 10-NOV-20 [Details] | |
| (2019) | CASiLAC Symposium Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Sexual Violence against and within LGBTQ+ Communities CASiLAC Symposium , 20-SEP-19 [Details] | |
| (2019) | International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2019) Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Connecting The Social Work Curriculum With The Community - Pedagogical Approaches To Community-Based Participatory Group Research International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2019) [Details] | |
| (2019) | The 3rd European Conference on Domestic Violence Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Louise Crowley and Robert Bolton (2019) Violence against Women in Ireland: Conceptualising Definitions, Laws and Interventions The 3rd European Conference on Domestic Violence Oslo, Norway, , 01-SEP-19 - 04-SEP-19 [Details] | |
| (2019) | Irish Sexual Practices Symposium Máire Leane and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Understanding and Supporting Gender-Variant Youth - Insights from personal Narratives Irish Sexual Practices Symposium University College Dublin, Ireland, , 17-JUL-19 - 17-JUL-19 [Details] | |
| (2019) | The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Empowering Social Work Students and Communities through Community-Based Group Research Projects: Co-constructing Knowledge and Building Capacity The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference [Details] | |
| (2019) | The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference Máire Leane and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Setting the Tinderbox of Student Engagement Alight: Drawing on the Principles of SoTL to Stimulate Activism in an Undergraduate Module on Sexualities and Society in University College Cork (UCC), Ireland The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference [Details] | |
| (2019) | The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference Mary Hurley and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháín (2019) Teaching Activism, Ecological Justice and Sustainable Development: Pedagogical Endeavours in Professional Social Work Education The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference [Details] | |
| (2019) | All-Ireland Social Work Education and Research Forum Mary Hurley and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháín (2019) Social Work, Activism and Ecological Justice: Developments in Social Work Education All-Ireland Social Work Education and Research Forum University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Derry, , 10-JAN-19 - 11-JAN-19 [Details] | |
| (2018) | BASPCAN Congress Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2018) Assessing Sexual Abuse Allegations of Pre-School-Aged Children in the Republic of Irelan BASPCAN Congress University of Warwick, UK, , 08-APR-18 - 11-APR-18 [Details] | |
| (2018) | Social Work and Sexualities International Conference Sexualities, genders and intersectionalities: Expanding contemporary social work issues Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2018) Navigating Heterosexist Systems: Gay Fathers’ Experiences in the Republic of Ireland Social Work and Sexualities International Conference Sexualities, genders and intersectionalities: Expanding contemporary social work issues University of Montreal, Canada, , 09-AUG-18 - 10-AUG-18 [Details] | |
| (2018) | Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development (SWSD) 2018 Ó Súilleabháin, F. & O' Sullivan, G. (2018) Social workers’ perceptions of current child protection risk in the assessment of historical sexual abuse allegations in the Irish Context Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development (SWSD) 2018 RDS, Dublin, Ireland, , 04-JUL-18 - 07-JUL-18 [Details] | |
| (2018) | 32nd Conference of Irish Historians Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2018) 'Coming out, letting go': Gay fathers' narratives in Ireland 32nd Conference of Irish Historians University College Cork, , 26-APR-18 - 28-APR-18 [Details] | |
| (2018) | IASW SWAMH SIG Conference: Psychosocial Interventions in Social Work Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2018) Social Work's Core Therapeutic Skills IASW SWAMH SIG Conference: Psychosocial Interventions in Social Work St. Patrick's University Hospital, Steeven's Lane, Dublin, , 13-APR-18 - 13-APR-18 [Details] | |
| (2018) | All Ireland Social Work Educators' Forum Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2018) Breaking the Binary: Trans and Gender Non-Binary Youth All Ireland Social Work Educators' Forum Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, , 11-JAN-18 - 12-JAN-18 [Details] | |
| (2017) | 6th Biennial National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference O’Sullivan, G., Ó Súilleabháin, F., Hartnett, G. & Noonan, T. (2017) Developing a Social Work Response to Historical Abuse 6th Biennial National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference Cork, Ireland, , 27-OCT-17 - 27-OCT-17 [Details] | |
| (2017) | 15th ISPCAN European Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect Campbell, K. & Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2017) Developing a Service Design Model to Support front-line practitioners in identifying and responding to service needs - with a particular focus on adolescents presenting with problematic sexualised behaviour 15th ISPCAN European Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect The Hague, Netherlands, , 01-OCT-17 - 04-OCT-17 [Details] | |
| (2017) | 6th Biennial National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference Campbell, K. & Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2017) Supporting evidence informed service development through action learning 6th Biennial National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference Cork, Ireland, , 27-OCT-17 - 27-OCT-17 [Details] | |
| (2017) | 15th ISPCAN European Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect O’Sullivan, G. & Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2017) Developing a model for the assessment of historical allegations of CSA from a safeguarding perspective 15th ISPCAN European Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect the Hague, Netherlands, , 01-OCT-17 - 04-OCT-17 [Details] | |
| (2017) | Urban Space and the Body: An International Conference of the Cross-Disciplinary Urban Space” Network Leane, M. & Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2017) Transgender and gender non-conforming youth: Negotiating personal identities in urban spaces Urban Space and the Body: An International Conference of the Cross-Disciplinary Urban Space” Network Cork, Ireland, , 09-JUN-17 - 10-JUN-17 [Details] | |
| (2016) | BASPCAN Evidence-Informed Practice, Practice-Informed Research Conference Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2016) Protecting Young People with Risky Sexual Behaviours from Sexual Exploitation: Social Workers’ Experiences in the Irish Context BASPCAN Evidence-Informed Practice, Practice-Informed Research Conference Birmingham, UK, , 18-NOV-16 - 18-NOV-16 [Details] | |
| (2016) | DCU Socio-Legal Research Centre Law and Society Biennial Conference State Accountability for Vulnerability Leane, M. & Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2016) Transgender Children And Young People In Ireland: Socio-Legal Challenges to Self-Expression of Gender DCU Socio-Legal Research Centre Law and Society Biennial Conference State Accountability for Vulnerability Dublin, Ireland, , 09-SEP-16 - 09-SEP-16 [Details] | |
| (2013) | HSE South Regional Network Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2013) Interviewing Very Young Children (2-5yrs) HSE South Regional Network Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland, , 30-SEP-13 - 30-SEP-13 [Details] | |
| (2013) | IASW HSE UCC Biennial Social Work Conference: New agency, new rights, new systems: Are children any safer? Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2013) Protecting Children in an Online World IASW HSE UCC Biennial Social Work Conference: New agency, new rights, new systems: Are children any safer? Cork, Ireland, , 25-OCT-13 - 25-OCT-13 [Details] | |
| (2012) | Doctor of Social Science Symposium Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2012) Undertaking a D.Soc.Sc Thesis – Reflections Doctor of Social Science Symposium Cork, Ireland, , 10-FEB-12 - 10-FEB-12 [Details] | |
| (2007) | IASW HSE UCC Biennial Social Work Conference: New agency, new rights, new systems: Are children any safer? Bradshaw, T. and Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2007) Interviewing Children in the context of Child Protection & Welfare IASW HSE UCC Biennial Social Work Conference: New agency, new rights, new systems: Are children any safer? Cork, Ireland, , 26-OCT-07 - 26-OCT-07 [Details] |
Published Reports
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2020) | Running an effective online team meeting using video conferencing software. Kenneth Burns and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2020) Running an effective online team meeting using video conferencing software. UCC Online Social Work Practice Series, Cork. [Details] | |
| (2020) | Remote Supervision in Social Work. Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Kenneth Burns and Simone McCaughren (2020) Remote Supervision in Social Work. UCC Online Social Work Practice Series, Cork. [Details] | |
| (2020) | Communicating and Rapport-Building Online. Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Simone McCaughren and Kenneth Burns (2020) Communicating and Rapport-Building Online. UCC Online Social Work Practice Series, Cork. [Details] | |
| (2020) | Running an effective team meeting using Microsoft Teams. Kenneth Burns and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2020) Running an effective team meeting using Microsoft Teams. UCC Online Social Work Practice Series, Cork. [Details] | |
| (2020) | Communicating and Rapport-Building Online Abridged Version. Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Simone McCaughren and Kenneth Burns (2020) Communicating and Rapport-Building Online Abridged Version. UCC Online Social Work Practice Series, Cork. [Details] | |
| (2019) | Communicating with Chidlren in Court. Kenneth Burns, Conor O'Mahony, Carly McAuley, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Elaine O'Callaghan (2019) Communicating with Chidlren in Court. Improving Decisions through Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) Project, Cork. [Details] |
Fact Sheet
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | Eight Steps to Supporting Your Lesbian, Gay, Bi+ and Trans Patients. Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Pádraig Rice, Kate Moynihan and Michael O'Donnell (2019) Eight Steps to Supporting Your Lesbian, Gay, Bi+ and Trans Patients. Linc and Gay Project: Fact Sheet [Details] |
Invited Seminars
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) | Professional Supervision in Social Work. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2017) Professional Supervision in Social Work. Invited Seminars [Details] | |
| (2017) | Research-Minded Practice and Searching for Literature. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2017) Research-Minded Practice and Searching for Literature. Invited Seminars [Details] | |
| (2017) | Values and Ethical Decision-Making in Practice. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2017) Values and Ethical Decision-Making in Practice. UCC: Invited Seminars [Details] |
Book Reviews
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | Book Review of T. Mc Carthy (2015), The Common-Sense Guide to Improving the Safeguarding of Children Three Steps to Make A Real Difference Book. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2016) Book Review of T. Mc Carthy (2015), The Common-Sense Guide to Improving the Safeguarding of Children Three Steps to Make A Real Difference Book. Book Reviews [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2006) | Book Review of T. Hafford-Letchfield, (2006). Management and Organisations in Social Work. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2006) Book Review of T. Hafford-Letchfield, (2006). Management and Organisations in Social Work. Book Reviews [Details] |
Presentation
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2015) | Young People with Risky Sexual Behaviours: Responses of Child Protection Social Workers in Ireland. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2015) Young People with Risky Sexual Behaviours: Responses of Child Protection Social Workers in Ireland. Auckland, New Zealand: Presentation [Details] | |
| (2012) | Same-sex Adoption in Ireland. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2012) Same-sex Adoption in Ireland. Cork, Ireland: Presentation [Details] | |
| (2011) | Gay Adoption in Ireland. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2011) Gay Adoption in Ireland. Cork, Ireland: Presentation [Details] |
Web Page
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2020) | Online Social Work Practice Series. Kenneth Burns and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2020) Online Social Work Practice Series. Web Page [Details] |
Reviews
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | Family Centre Annual Report 2015. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2016) Family Centre Annual Report 2015. Cork, Ireland: Reviews [Details] | |
| (2015) | Family Centre Annual Report 2014. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2015) Family Centre Annual Report 2014. Cork, Ireland: Reviews [Details] | |
| (2014) | Family Centre Annual Report 2013. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2014) Family Centre Annual Report 2013. Cork, Ireland: Reviews [Details] | |
| (2013) | Family Centre Annual Report 2012. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2013) Family Centre Annual Report 2012. Cork, Ireland: Reviews [Details] | |
| (2012) | Family Centre Annual Report 2011. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2012) Family Centre Annual Report 2011. Cork, Ireland: Reviews [Details] | |
| (2011) | Family Centre Annual Report 2010. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2011) Family Centre Annual Report 2010. Cork, Ireland: Reviews [Details] | |
| (2010) | Family Centre Annual Report 2009. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2010) Family Centre Annual Report 2009. Cork, Ireland: Reviews [Details] |
Discussion
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2020) | Gay Project Submission to Cork City Council Development Plan. Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Michael O'Donnell (2020) Gay Project Submission to Cork City Council Development Plan. Discussion [Details] | |
| (2020) | Joint Submission to Cork City Council for the City Development Plan. Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Mary O’Rourke, Barra Ó Donnabháin, Michael O’Donnell, Martin Davoren, Kate Moynihan and Jack Fitzgerald (2020) Joint Submission to Cork City Council for the City Development Plan. Discussion [Details] |
Practice Guideline
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | Family Centre Policies and Procedures Document (28th edit.) TUSLA: Family Centre, Cork. Ó Súilleabháin, F., Geraghty, F., Collender, J., Hudner, R., Mc, Donnell, R. and Rohan, J. (2016) Family Centre Policies and Procedures Document (28th edit.) TUSLA: Family Centre, Cork. Practice Guideline [Details] | |
| (2015) | Family Centre Clinical Staff Induction Manual (3rd edit.) TUSLA. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2015) Family Centre Clinical Staff Induction Manual (3rd edit.) TUSLA. Cork, Ireland: Practice Guideline [Details] | |
| (2015) | Child Sexual Abuse Assessment: Case Analysis Too. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2015) Child Sexual Abuse Assessment: Case Analysis Too. Cork, Ireland: Practice Guideline [Details] |
Thesis/Dissertation
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2011) | ‘Stepping Out': An Examination of Gay Men’s Parenting Experiences of Parenting in Contemporary Ireland. Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2011) ‘Stepping Out': An Examination of Gay Men’s Parenting Experiences of Parenting in Contemporary Ireland. Thesis/Dissertation [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Frank McGrath Perpetual Award for Equality and Welfare | University College Cork | |
| 2019 | Finalist for Best Research Project - Education Awards | Education Awards | |
| 2018 | President's Award for Excellence in Teaching | University College Cork | |
| 2001 | O'Connor Scholarship | University College Cork |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) Member | Member | / | |
| CORU Registered | Licensed Social Worker | / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2020) | OUTing the Past Festival, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2020) LGBTQ+ History Conference. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], OUTing the Past Festival, Millennium Hall, City Hall, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2019) | SPEEDS Symposium: 'Teaching and Learning for Social Justice in a Digital World', Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin and Máire Leane (2019) Employing Digital Technology to Scaffold Discursive Learning Environments: Teaching Sexualities in Social Policy. [Poster Presentation], SPEEDS Symposium: 'Teaching and Learning for Social Justice in a Digital World', University College Cork , 09-MAY-19 - 09-MAY-19. [Details] | |
| (2019) | 7th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Referee. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], 7th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, University College Cork , 24-OCT-19 - 25-OCT-19. [Details] | |
| (2019) | The 3rd European Conference on Domestic Violence, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Law and Legal Process 1. [Chair Sessions at Symposia], The 3rd European Conference on Domestic Violence, Oslo, Norway , 01-SEP-19 - 04-SEP-19. [Details] | |
| (2019) | Irish Gerontological Society Conference, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Kate Moynihan and Michael O'Donnell (2019) LGBT+ Patients Exhibition. [Other], Irish Gerontological Society Conference, Cork, Ireland , 26-SEP-19 - 28-SEP-19. [Details] | |
| (2019) | International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2019), Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Connecting The Social Work Curriculum With The Community - Pedagogical Approaches To Community-Based Participatory Group Research Oral Presentation. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2019), Sevllle, Spain , 11-NOV-19 - 13-NOV-19. [Details] | |
| (2019) | OUTing the Past Festival, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) LGBTQ+ History Conference. [Conference Organising Committee Member], OUTing the Past Festival, Millennium Hall, City Hall, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2019) | The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference, Máire Leane and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Setting the Tinderbox of Student Engagement Alight: Drawing on the Principles of SoTL to Stimulate Activism in an Undergraduate Module on Sexualities and Society in University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference, Bilbao, Spain , 13-JUN-19 - 14-JUN-19. [Details] | |
| (2019) | The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2019) Empowering Social Work Students and Communities through Community-Based Group Research Projects: Co-constructing Knowledge and Building Capacity. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference, Bilbao, Spain , 13-JUN-19 - 14-JUN-19. [Details] | |
| (2019) | The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference, Mary Hurley and Fiachra Ó Súilleabháín (2019) Teaching Activism, Ecological Justice and Sustainable Development: Pedagogical Endeavours in Professional Social Work Education. [Poster Presentation], The 3rd EuroSoTL Conference, Bilbao, Spain , 13-JUN-19 - 14-JUN-19. [Details] | |
| (2017) | 6th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin (2017) Referee. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], 6th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, University College Cork , 26-OCT-17 - 27-OCT-17. [Details] | |
| (2017) | 15th ISPCAN European Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, Ó Súilleabháin, F. & Geraghty, F. (2017) Allegations of sexual abuse in pre-schoolers in Ireland: Pre-screening the communication skills of very young children. [Poster Presentation], 15th ISPCAN European Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, The Hague, Netherlands , 01-OCT-17 - 04-OCT-17. [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARL Committee | Academic Advisor | 2019 / | |
| UCC LGBT+ Staff Network Commitee | Secretary | 2018 / | |
| School of Applied Social Studies Staff-Student Liaison Committee | Co-Chairperson | 2017 / | |
| UCC Gender Equality Working Group | Member | 2017 / 2018 | |
| MSW Selection Committee | Co-ordinator | 2017 / | |
| Digital Learning (SPEEDS) Committee | Member | 2017 / 2019 | |
| Ethics Committee | Member | 2017 / | |
| Tusla Third Level Liaison Forum CPD Subgroup | Member of TUSLA Third Level Liaison Forum Subgroup | 2017 / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University College Cork | Lecturer | 23-JAN-17 / | |
| TUSLA Child and Family Agency | Unit Manager Family Centre | 30-DEC-09 / 22-JAN-17 | |
| TUSLA Child and Family Agency/Health Service Executive | Principal Social Worker Family Centre | 14-NOV-05 / 29-DEC-09 | |
| Southern Health Board | Locum Social Worker/Social Care Worker | 07-MAY-01 / 07-SEP-01 | |
| Southern Health Board | Social Worker North Lee | 06-MAY-02 / 07-DEC-03 | |
| Health Service Executive/Southern Health Board | Social Worker Family Centre | 08-DEC-03 / 13-NOV-05 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | University College Cork | DOCTORATE | Social Science | |
| 2019 | University College Cork | Postrgaduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning inHigher Education | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | |
| 2018 | University College Cork | Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | |
| 2002 | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | Social Work | |
| 2000 | University College Cork | Bachelor of Social Science | Social Science |
Consultancy
| Client | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Munster Adolescent Project TUSLA Cork | ||
| St Patrick's Infant School, Gardiners Hill, Cork | ||
| Empowering Children in Care (EPIC) | ||
| Cork Gay Project | ||
| Practice Advisory Board Specialist Inquiry Team TUSLA Cork | ||
| TUSLA Family Centre | ||
| Foster Care Committee Cork TUSLA | ||
| Douglas Credit Union Ltd |
Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Fluent | Fluent | Fluent | |
| Gaeilge | Functional | Basic | Basic |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Journal Of Social Work | Referee | 30-MAR-18 - |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
My key areas of teaching expertise and interest are GLBTQI issues and sexualities, child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behviour, child protection and welfare, direct work with children and young people and welfare pluralism in the delivery of social services.
Throughout my professional practice, I have sought to be a research-minded and evidence-informed practitioner. I have utilised research to reflect on, and improve, my practice. I believe that teaching, research and practice are part of a connected cycle of ongoing learning and professional development.
As an educator in UCC, I aim to share my passion for social work research, education and practice. I work to enhance students’ learning experiences and to achieve the best possible learning outcomes for students. I aim to inspire students to practice ethically and in anti-discriminatory ways to promote equality and social justice. I aim to assist students to develop a proficiency in critical thinking in order to develop their capacity to undertake assessments in practice and to professionally evaluate and judge situations. I seek to familiarise students with the application of theory to practice and how they are inter-connected and to help them understand how social policies at the macro-level can influence the lived experiences of individuals and communities at the micro-level. I view teaching as an interactive process which sees students as key partners in the learning project.
I view teaching as an interactive process with students being partners in the learning project. I like to provide students with a poly-vocal learning environment where students are empowered to learn from each other. I am student-centred in my approach to teaching – information and knowledge needs to be imparted in an accessible way in order for students to understand and they need to understand the knowledge before they can apply it to practice.
Overall, I use a range of teaching methods to engage students in learning rather than being overly dependent on one method. I use lectures, role-plays, case-studies, practice experiences, media studies, group discussions, peer support and visual aids as learning tools in the classroom. As a part of my digital teaching and learning, in 2017, I developed online lectures about professional practice for undergraduate social science students with Dr. Eileen Hogan, Lecturer, School of Applied Social Studies.
Bachelor of Social Science
SS2024 Fieldwork Placement (with Dr. Eileen Hogan)
SS3030 Fieldwork Placement (with Dr. Eileen Hogan)
SS3021 Sexuality and Society (with Dean Máire Leane)
SS2003 Social Services and Welfare: Policy and Practice
Bachelor of Social Work
SS2211 Mixed Economy of Welfare & Personal Social Services
Higher Diploma in Social Policy
SS5026 Sexuality and Society (with Dean Máire Leane)
Master of Social Work
SS6112 Practice Skills and Fieldwork Placement I (with MSW team)
SS6112 Practice Skills and Fieldwork Placement II (Lectures)
SS6106 Applied Social Research (with Dr. Eleanor Bantry-White & Dr. Kenneth Burns)
SS6108 Child and Family Welfare I (guest lecturer on child sexual abuse)
SS6207 Practice Skills and Fieldwork Placement II (with MSW team)
SS6207 Practice Skills and Fieldwork Placement II (with Ms. Caroline Shore)
SS6201 Child and Family Welfare II (guest lecturer on investigative interviewing)
SS6206 Dissertation in Social Work (with Dr. Eleanor Bantry-White)
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Pamela Morris | University College Cork | MSW | An Investigation of the provision of community-based day care centres on older people’s wellbeing in North Tipperary | |
| 2020 | Norma Ryan | University College Cork | MSW | An examination of after-service provision for care-experienced young adults who do not engage in further education at age 18yrs (CBR Project with EPIC) | |
| 2020 | Cillian Daly | University College Cork | MSW | An examination of the Signs of Safety approach to child protection social work: An International Review | |
| 2020 | Laura Walsh | University College Cork | MSW | Exploring the impact of community crime and violence on the welfare of children in Moneymore, North Drogheda, Co. Louth (CARL Project) | |
| 2018 | Tara Whelan | University College Cork | Master of Arts | Adolescents with harmful sexual behaviours: Applying male theories to female offenders | |
| 2019 | Livingstone Kiwanuka (CARL Project) (co-supervised by Dr. Ruth Hally) | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | An Exploration of participation in physical activities on the wellbeing of adults with acquired/congenital disabilities | |
| 2019 | Anita Forde | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | An exploration of risk: Are children in care at higher risk of danger through the use of social media? A discourse analysis of the literature | |
| 2019 | Elaine Burke | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015: Exploring the implications for social work practice with people living with dementia | |
| 2019 | Clodagh Kelleher | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | Returning Children Home from Care.. An Exploration of the Reunification Process in Irish Social Work Practice | |
| 2019 | Rebecca O'Sullivan (CARL Project) | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | 'Remember Me': An Exploration of the Impact of the Féileacáin Remembering Memory Box on Parents Bereaved Through Stillbirth or Neonatal Death. | |
| 2018 | Stephanie Tips (Group CARL Project) | NUI (UCC) | Master of Social Work | Igloos all year round: An examination of the views of young people into the spaces and places of Douglas (CARL) | |
| 2018 | John Daunt (Group CARL Project) | NUI (UCC) | Master of Social Work | Our Place Matters: An exploration of young people’s participation in the Douglas community and international models for developing community participation (CARL) | |
| 2018 | Cara Mc Carthy (Group CARL Project) | NUI (UCC) | Master of Social Work | ‘Smells Like Community Spirit’: An Exploration of Stakeholders Perceptions of the Social Needs and Issues for Young People in Douglas (CARL) | |
| 2018 | Niamh Condron (CARL Project) | NUI (UCC) | Master of Social Work | An International Literature Review on the Needs of People who have Offending Behaviours and/or Substance Use Issues (CARL) | |
| 2018 | Phil O' Sullivan (CARL Project - Phase 2 of Three-Year Project) | NUI (UCC) | Master of Social Work | Dress to Impress: Parents’ Fears of Allegations of Fabricated Induced Illness in Cases when their Child has Mitochondrial Disease - Exploring the Voices of MITO Families Ireland (CARL) | |
| 2017 | Laura Nolan | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | Voluntary care processes: A comprehensive analysis of Irish, Norwegian and Finnish contexts. | |
| 2017 | Christín Murphy | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | Young people 'at risk'? A critical examination of notions of risk in child protection and welfare social work | |
| 2017 | Sharon Morrison | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | Working together to safeguard children: An examination of multidisciplinary approaches to child protection practice | |
| 2017 | Francis Condon | University College Cork | Master of Social Work | Which theoretical approaches and perspectives could be applied to social work practice in an attempt to work most constructively with the trans community? |
Contact details
- Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin
- fiachra.osuilleabhain@ucc.ie
- +353-21-490-3000
- Lecturer in Social Work
- fiachra.osuilleabhain@ucc.ie
- Carrigbawn
School of Applied Social Studies
O'Donovan's Road
Cork - +353 21 490 3072